Guilford County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Guilford County, NC: Complete Guide

A DUI arrest in Guilford County can feel overwhelming. In 2024, Guilford County transitioned to the eCourts system, fundamentally changing how case information is accessed and managed. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the Guilford County DUI process, from understanding bail procedures to navigating the court system and protecting your driving privileges. We'll focus on the unique aspects of handling a DUI charge within Guilford County's legal framework.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Guilford County

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Guilford County, North Carolina, triggers a complex legal process. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect, what your rights are, and how to navigate the system effectively. From the initial arrest and booking to court appearances and potential license suspension, we'll break down each step.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Guilford County, here's a general timeline of what to expect in the first 24 hours:

1. Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: After being pulled over and suspected of DUI, you will likely be asked to perform field sobriety tests and potentially a breathalyzer test.
2. Transportation to Detention Center: If arrested, you'll be transported to either the Greensboro Jail Central or the High Point Jail, depending on where the arrest occurred. The Guilford County Sheriff's Office manages both facilities.
3. Booking Process: This involves fingerprinting, photographing (mugshot), and recording your personal information and charges. You can find your charge details on the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office "Police to Citizen" (P2C) platform at guilfordcountysheriff.policetocitizen.com. This system is updated continuously as booking reports are finalized.
4. Phone Call: You'll typically be allowed to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this opportunity to contact a loved one or an attorney.
5. Bail Hearing: A magistrate will set your bail amount based on the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and other factors. The Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, currently Judge R. Stuart Albright, influences how bond is set across the county as his signature is on the "Official Policies on Pretrial Release." You can also find the assigned bond amounts for inmates on the P2C platform.
6. Release: You can be released from jail by posting bail (either cash or through a bail bondsman) or by being released on your own recognizance (ROR), at the magistrate’s discretion.

Critical Deadlines

Missing critical deadlines in a DUI case can have severe consequences. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing Request: In North Carolina, you have a limited time (usually 10 days from the date of the incident) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license.
• Initial Court Appearance: Your court date will be set shortly after your arrest. This date is crucial, as missing it can result in a failure to appear (FTA) charge and further legal complications. Consult the P2C system for your next scheduled court date.
• License Suspension Timeline: Your driver's license will likely be suspended immediately if you refuse a breathalyzer test or if your BAC is .08 or higher. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances of your case and prior DUI convictions.

DUI Enforcement in Guilford County

Guilford County, like many areas in North Carolina, actively enforces DUI laws. While specific checkpoint locations aren't publicly advertised in advance, it's important to be aware that law enforcement agencies conduct sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the county.

Local Resources

• Guilford County Courthouse (Greensboro):
• Address: 201 S Eugene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
• Guilford County Courthouse (High Point):
• Address: 505 E Green Dr, High Point, NC 27260
• Clerk of Superior Court (High Point):
• Address: 507 East Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260
• Main Phone: (336) 641-7900
• Secondary/Office Phone: (336) 641-7907
• Fax: (336) 641-4137
• They offer a 24/7 secure drop box for filings, located outside the public entrance to the right of the doors.
• Guilford County Sheriff's Office (Greensboro): (336) 641-3600
• Guilford County Sheriff's Office (High Point): (336) 641-2700
• Inmate Search: guilfordcountysheriff.policetocitizen.com
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info - research online) Search online for "bail bondsmen Guilford County NC."
• DUI Attorneys: (General info - research online) Search online for "DUI attorneys Guilford County NC."

What Makes Guilford County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Guilford County unique:

• eCourts System: Guilford County is part of "Track 4" of the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s digital initiative, eCourts. This means case information is accessed and filed electronically.
• Judicial Hierarchy: Understanding the court structure is essential. Judge Kimberly Michelle Fletcher is the Chief District Court Judge for District 24, and Judge R. Stuart Albright is the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge.
• Court Locations: Remember that while the digital repository is unified under eCourts, the venue distinction between Greensboro and High Point remains critical for physical court appearances.
• Inmate Housing: The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office manages detention at two locations. The P2C platform will tell you if the inmate is housed at the Greensboro Jail Central or the High Point Jail. Mail for High Point inmates is routed through the Greensboro PO Box:
• Inmate Name, Inmate ID Number
• Facility ID 5084
• PO Box 18247
• Greensboro, NC 27419
• Bail Bond Premiums: North Carolina law caps bail bond premiums at 15% of the bond amount. Be wary of any additional "processing fees" exceeding this limit.

To find out the specific detention status, charge details, and assigned bond amounts, visit the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office "Police to Citizen" (P2C) platform at guilfordcountysheriff.policetocitizen.com.